Gettysburg, Pa., has been and continues to be the boisterous and poignant scene of living history events marking the 150th anniversary of the famous battle of the Civil War.

Soldier and civilian re-enactors are re-creating key moments in 1863, through battles, encampments and demonstrations. Organizers were expecting 15,000 re-enactors along with thousands of interpreters, 400 horses and 100 cannons.

As fascinating as that would be to attend in person, most folks around here will celebrate the Fourth with the usual activities – golf tournaments, swimming, baseball games, barbecues and the like.

Those looking for a spectacular fireworks show tomorrow night can do so for free, thanks to Angel Care Ambulance Service.

This year’s Independence Day celebration will not feature any daytime activities on the Bee County Expo Center grounds because of the heat.

However, at about 6:30 to 7 p.m., the gates will open, and visitors will be allowed to park in the large lot north of the rodeo arena. The show will start at about 9 p.m.

Thanks again to Gabriel Aleman, Angel Care, Bebe Adamez and Beeville Volunteer Fire Department for staging this event, so that area residents can come out and witness thousands of dollars worth of pyrotechnics illuminate the night sky.

Those who haven’t had their fill of such festivities should mosey on over to Three Rivers on Saturday, July 6, for its “Big Bang Saturday” at Hilbert Kopplin Memorial Park, celebrating the town’s centennial.

There will be a kids area, vendor booths, speakers and musical entertainment. Another big fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m., followed by a performance by the Randy Rogers Band. And everything is free.

So whether you care to observe the 237th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the 150th year of the Battle of Gettysburg or the 100th birthday of Three Rivers, you should have plenty of reasons to celebrate.